I guess I really am a runner

I haven't ever called myself a runner.  I don't look like a runner. I don't run like a runner. I don't train like a runner.  If the word jogger didn't make me think of 80's running suits, I might use that term, but instead when describing my involvement in the sport I say "I run."  I have described my miles as an action verb, not a definition of who I am.  That's fairly common for many half marathon runners, I think.  In fact all it takes is one day at a running event to realize that anyone (and I do mean anyone) can run a half marathon.  It's the kind of thing that is on many people's bucket list.  But I don't think anyone has "Run two half marathons" on their bucket list.  Many people run a half to cross it off the list.  I did in 2009.  In 2010 I ran a second.  Now it can define me.  I am a runner.

I run because I can

Forgive my continuation of the running theme but it is kind of consuming.  When you run 13.1 miles you have a lot of time to think and my mind covers a lot of different topics but surely one pervasive thought is "why in the heck would I pay money to do this?"  The answer I always come back to is "because I can."  I spend a lot of time in prayer (running up hills, praying for the next water station, asking God to keep me safe, asking God to heal fallen runners) and through this prayer has come the realization that God has given me the ability to do this.  He has made my remarkable body.  It might not look like I want or function perfectly, but it works mostly like it should and as long as that is true, I will continue to do this.  I had a foreboding thought yesterday after the race when I was considering why none of my friends run for a cause.  I think it's mostly because none of has one common cause that is so meaningful to us.  I thought briefly how quickly that could change. How in a year's time, before the 2011 Go! Marathon, any one of us could be cancer stricken or debilitated in some way and running may no longer be an option.  Unless or until that happens I will run.

I'm alive

Funny how something that makes you feel so close to death actually makes you feel so alive when it's over.  Brad and I (and 17,000 others) ran the half marathon yesterday in St. Louis.  Running 13.1 miles is truly amazing on so many levels: psychically, spiritually, mentally, socially.  One of the most incredible feelings was at/near mile 10 when I was passed by the lead marathon runner.  Yes, that's right, when I was at the 10 mile mark of a 13.1 mile run, someone else was at the 23 mile mark of a 26.2 mile run.  I actually teared up.  I was so moved by his humanity and physicality.  The human spirit and the human body is so incredible.  I couldn't help but think how God made that possible, but that runner made it a reality.  I know it won't happen but I want everyone I love to run a half marathon.  I want them to experience the same thing.  I think it's a life changing experience.

Hand holding

Eleanor started in a new tumbling class last week.  During her first class she was one of only two girls.  The other girl, Emily, is four also and has a sister in Meredith's class.  Obviously Eleanor and Emily have a lot in common.  This week there were a few new girls, bringing the total to six.  Eleanor and Emily are still friends.  I know because I saw them holding hands.  It warmed my heart.  It made me grateful for the friends I have and sad for how friendships change as we age.  There is not a lot of hand holding that goes on in grown up friendships.   But just like everything else in her young life, when Eleanor sees something she likes, she picks it up and holds it in her hands.